Cargo plane crashes in Karachi, killing at least eight
A cargo plane crashed into a housing complex in Karachi, Pakistan, shortly after take-off, killing at least eight and exploding into a fierce blaze.
Sunday 28 November 2010
The Russian-made Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft had been bound for the Sudanese capital Khartoum and had eight crew on board when it came down in the early hours of Sunday morning local time.
Four bodies were found on the ground, where witnesses said it was likely the death toll would increase. Express 24/7 television said 10 people died.
The crash triggered a massive blaze in the Dalmia neighbourhood, where the Pakistan Air Force and Navy have residential apartments close to the airport.
Witness Hasan Hashmi said fire could be seen from one of the plane's engines as it flew overhead.
"I saw a fireball plummeting to ground," said milk-seller Mohammad Raees. "It was so huge and quick. I was terrified.
"I couldn't see what it was. I sped up to save my life and after a few seconds I heard a deafening explosion."
Although the cause of the crash was not immediately clear, there is no suggestion so far that terrorism is involved.
Last month packages containing bombs were found on two cargo jets in Dubai and Britain. The bomb intercepted in Britain on its way to America was designed to explode in mid-air and may have been targeted at the UK.
Aviation authority spokesman Pervez George said the crashed aircraft was heading to Sudan when it came down two minutes after take off.
The crash was the third in less than five months in Pakistan. Earlier this month in Karachi, 21 people were killed when a small passenger plane crashed soon after take off.
In July, a passenger jet operated by Pakistan carrier Airblue crashed into hills overlooking the capital, Islamabad, during stormy weather, killing all 152 on-board. (the telegraph)
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